Have you ever looked at your garden, and wondered “Is this a jungle? Or a world full of Zen that is yet to be discovered?” Fear not, for even the haphazard chaos of wildflowers can evolve into a masterpiece with a sprinkle of creativity. Grab that quirky garden-gnome. Why is he always alone? Bring in a hedgehog or a flamingo statue. You’ve got to have friends in a garden, right? It would be impossible to relax in your living area without some cushions. The outdoors deserves companionship too. You can seek inspiration from Central Gazette. Read more now on Central Gazette

Do you remember that magical moment when the sun waltzes through your windows and everything seems ethereal? Choose curtains that will play peek-a -boo with sunlight. Prefer blackout? Be the vampire. But let those rays in at least a tad bit, tease them with the chance to dazzle your foliage friends, the indoor plants. These green people are just freeloaders unless they get some vitamin D.

Got a tool shed that’s become a monstrous black hole swallowing everything from rakes to forgotten dreams? It’s time for a reckoning. Implement the most absurd yet liberating ritual: the annual tool festival. Gather your neighbors, show off your myriad of nearly-functioning shears, and barter for someone’s half-broken leaf blower. It builds character–and bonds–and leaves you only slightly less equipped for next autumn.

You have heard about feng-shui. The dance of energy and balance. Quickly now, beneath all that mumbo jumbo lies a spark of truth. Shift that ungainly sofa a notch to the left, relocate the pet cactus to the windowsill. Voila, instant rejuvenation. It’s not necessary to have a feng-shui master reciting ancient wisdom. Just a little bit of internet advice mixed with magazine clippings from last week and a neighbor’s rumor that moving objects around will attract prosperity is enough. Who knows?

Let’s talk about paths, those in the garden. Like the side plot of a film about a young person’s coming of age, they are unnecessary. Cobblestones, or gravel? Concrete or wooden planks in a classic style? Even a foot shuffler who is prone to shuffle his feet should be able to confidently stride, keeping an eye out for any pixies hiding in the azaleas. Stepping stones are bookmarks for your garden’s novel that encourage curious eyes to stay on the page before turning it.